He said: "People had been so used to regular trains (on this route) that there was never any real reason to check a timetable.

"When that came to an end, we complained very forcibly on behalf of local passengers and business interests.

"The new timetable will offer other improvements such as a direct link between the Walsall line and Birmingham International, faster journeys for local services on the Birmingham to Coventry line and some better opportunities from Coseley and Sandwell and Dudley."

The Coventry to Birmingham corridor is the busiest route in the West Midlands and cutbacks were made to stop overcrowding at New Street.

Network Rail is commissioning a new set of points at Birmingham International to allow improved services.

Passengers at Coventry welcomed the news.

Vijay Gill, aged 24, of Brookvale Avenue, Ernesford Grange, uses the station to get to work in Birmingham.

He said: "The service isn't bad but any improvements are good news. The more trains and the less time to wait, the better."

Mike Spokes, of Baginton Road, Styvechale, said:

"More trains are a good idea. It should be better for everyone." ..SUPL: